About Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is a relaxing and gentle form of yoga which explores traditional yoga poses from a seated position. These poses, or asanas, are adaptations taken from the more traditional Hatha yoga. The chair is used to support those who wish to participate in yoga, but have some difficulty with more rigorous movement. In particular, chair yoga is targeted at senior citizens, those who struggle with weight challenges and anyone suffering from a recent or chronic injury.

How did chair yoga develop? The origins of the poses used with chair yoga date back to 5,000 years ago. In fact, the earliest references to yoga practice originate from archaeological excavations made in the Indus valley.

What are the benefits of chair yoga?

There are numerous health benefits to a regular yoga practice. Yoga deepens flexibility and strengthens bodily awareness. Chair yoga encourages participants to slow down, focusing on one movement at a time to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Chair yoga can help to ease many health issues including hypertension, anxiety, chronic fatigue, arthritis, vertigo, multiple sclerosis, depression and chronic pain. There is particular emphasis on breath, movement and flow.

Chair yoga encourages participants to slow down, focusing on one movement at a time to reduce stress and promote relaxation, while not only providing body stretches but refreshing internal organs.

Why has chair yoga grown in popularity?

With more Americans struggling with limited mobility, gentler forms of exercise, such as chair yoga, allow greater access to this popular practice. Chair yoga classes are often available in senior centers, adult health care centers and physical rehabilitation units. Participants can learn different poses, develop greater flexibility and meditate with the support of a chair.

Overall, chair yoga is an adaptive form of yoga that teaches the varying Hatha poses, but with the additional benefits of gentle movement. These factors and having a chair for support can make exercise more accessible to everyone. Google shows the term “Chair Yoga” is trending three to one over “Yoga!”